In the Kyrgyz Republic, oncologists express deep concern over the increasing cases where parents refuse treatment for their children suffering from oncological diseases. This phenomenon, as specialists have found, directly contributes to the rising mortality rate among such patients. The data became known thanks to monitoring conducted by the Institute of Akikatchy in the pediatric oncology and hematology department of the National Center for Oncology and Hematology in Bishkek, where the current treatment conditions were analyzed.
According to doctors, the main factors contributing to the refusal of treatment are distrust of medical institutions.
“Some parents do not trust medicine, experience financial difficulties, and often turn to a mullah or folk healers for religious reasons. For example, there was a case where, after remission, the parents decided to switch their child with leukemia to alternative treatment methods. A year later, the disease progressed again, and unfortunately, the child passed away,” the medical professionals reported.In response to this situation, human rights defenders emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to working with families who refuse medical assistance, including support that is both social and psychological.
Staff from the Institute of Akikatchy conducted monitoring in two oncological institutions in Bishkek in 2025, during which treatment conditions were analyzed, discussions were held with medical personnel and patients, and systemic problems in providing oncological care were identified.
As a result of the inspection, the Ombudsman of Kyrgyzstan, Jamilya Jamangbaeva, sent her recommendations to the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the State Enterprise "Kyrgyzpharmacia" to address the identified violations.
She also proposed developing and approving a new strategy for the control and prevention of oncological diseases, as well as a comprehensive plan for combating oncology for 2025–2030.
